. i must say, the president kids me occasionally did i know harry reid always calls me a senate man. i am proud to have been a senate man. i am proud to be president of the senate but that is only exceeded by the pride in being vice president of the united states with barack obama as president. [applause] one of the great privileges of my life. if the president will forgive me, as we were walking out, and as he said, savoring the moment, looking out on the crowd and all the americans assembled, it surprised me even, i turned to him and said, "thank you. thanks for the chance. thanks for the chance to continue to serve." folks, i raise my glass to a man who never, never, never operates out of fear, only operates out of confidence, and i'm toasting you, chuck. [laughter] a guy i plan on working with it. you cannot get rid of me, man. remember, i'm still part of the senate. god bless you, chuck. you have done a great job, and lamar, you have as well. good to see you, pal. >> the best parts of these events are unscripted. i would now like to introduce our senate majority leader, my good fr
